Ahhhh…the 80s. Big hair, big clothes, a space where grunge and preppy could coexist. Just thinking about some of the big hits on the Top 40 Countdown is enough to get anyone in their 50s and 60s nostalgic. That’s why…
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When the Risk Isn’t Worth the Reward: Understanding Asymmetrical Risk in Your Portfolio
There’s a point in every financial journey where the math subtly changes. Early on, taking risks tends to make sense. You have time, earning power, and the ability to recover from mistakes. But as you get closer to retirement –…
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Special Trust Scenarios: AMBTs, Sub-Trusts, and Trusts for Minor Children
You’ve now got a strong handle on how trusts interact with inherited IRAs — from see-through status to trust types, beneficiary classes, and RMD timing. But estate plans rarely fit neatly in one box. Real families often have special situations…
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Understanding Beneficiary Classes: Who They Are and Why They Matter for IRA Payouts
When a trust inherits an IRA, it’s not just the trust structure that determines how distributions work — it’s also who ultimately benefits from the money. The SECURE Act made this especially important by creating new beneficiary categories, each with its own…
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Conduit vs. Discretionary Trusts: How They Shape IRA Distributions
When a trust inherits an IRA, the question isn’t just who gets the money — it’s how and when they can take it. Once you’ve determined that your trust qualifies as a see-through trust, the next crucial step is figuring out what type of see-through trust it is. This…
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Can Morningstar Star Ratings Be Misleading?
Every now and then, a client asks a fair question: “Why would you use a fund that doesn’t have a high Morningstar star rating?” At first glance, that seems like a red flag. After all, star ratings sound like they…
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HSA Strategies: How These Dollars Can Have Very Long Legs
Most people think of a Health Savings Account (HSA) as a place to park money for copays and prescriptions. Swipe the card, move on, repeat next year. That approach works, but it barely scratches the surface of what an HSA…
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